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U.S. Seizes Venezuelan Tanker As White House Signals More Maritime Crackdowns

,   and  TIPP Staff
3 min read
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The White House confirmed Thursday that a Venezuelan oil tanker seized by U.S. forces will be brought to a U.S. port, where officials intend to confiscate its cargo after completing legal procedures.

The move marks a significant escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro’s government, which has condemned the operation as “international piracy.”

U.S. officials say the tanker — believed to be the Skipper, sanctioned in 2022 for allegedly transporting oil for Iran’s Quds Force and Hezbollah — was targeted as part of a broader crackdown on illicit shipments that fund hostile actors. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt also suggested more seizures could follow.

The tanker operation comes amid heightened U.S. military activity in the Caribbean and a controversial U.S. bombing campaign that has destroyed alleged drug-smuggling boats and killed at least 87 people since September 2.

Russia publicly backed Venezuela on Thursday, with Vladimir Putin expressing “solidarity” and condemning outside pressure.

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